Longsolid and round hickorynut mussels face habitat loss and climate challenges.

The U.S. government has granted federal protection to two species of freshwater mussels, the longsolid and round hickorynut, marking a critical step in addressing the decline of these vital water-filtering mollusks. These species have been severely impacted by habitat destruction, pollution, and the effects of climate change, especially rising water temperatures.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced the decision on Wednesday, acknowledging the serious threats faced by these mussels, which are integral to maintaining water quality in streams. Urban expansion, agriculture, and industrial activities like mining and pipeline construction have contributed to the degradation of their habitats. Additionally, the introduction of non-native mussel species has further exacerbated their struggle for survival.

Gary Peeples, a deputy supervisor with the agency, emphasised that the decline of these species is a result of “a thousand cuts,” referring to the combination of multiple environmental stressors. He explained that healthy mussel populations are indicators of thriving streams, and North America, historically home to a wide variety of mussels, has seen two-thirds of its freshwater mussel species classified as imperiled.

While the longsolid and round hickorynut mussels are still found in wider areas than many of their endangered relatives, their numbers have dwindled significantly. The longsolid, which can grow up to five inches and live for as long as 50 years, is found across multiple states, including Alabama, New York, and Tennessee. However, it has largely disappeared from Georgia and Illinois, and most of its populations are concentrated in areas with no evidence of young mussels reaching maturity.

The round hickorynut, smaller at three inches, has similarly declined, with only 69 populations remaining. Once widespread across states like Michigan and Ohio, it too has vanished from Georgia, Illinois, and New York.

The newly granted protection under the Endangered Species Act aims to support these mussels through increased awareness, conservation partnerships, and funding for their recovery. The Fish and Wildlife Service will designate critical habitats for both species, with protected areas covering hundreds of miles of river systems. These efforts will involve collaboration with state wildlife experts to promote mussel recovery.

The move is hailed by conservation groups such as the Center for Biological Diversity, which had previously filed a lawsuit to secure federal protection for the mussels. However, concerns remain about potential logging activities in protected habitats. Advocacy staff members argue that logging practices could still threaten the species if proper safeguards are not enforced. Despite this, experts agree that the designation is a crucial step toward safeguarding these essential creatures.